On-Demand Permaculture Design Certificate Course
Earn Your Permaculture Certificate
Gain Knowledge from 16+ Years
Master Garden Design
Bring Your Vision to Life
Join a Community of Changemakers
Regenerate the Earth
Restore Wildlife Habitats
Change your Life
All levels | 130 Hour Course | On Demand
What You'll Gain from This Course
Ethics & Principles
Discover the foundation of permaculture by understanding and applying its core ethics and principles to every aspect of your life and designs.
Efficient Design
Learn to design gardens and farms that thrive on natural fertility and resilience. Master passive design strategies for homes, greenhouses, and spaces that heat and cool efficiently.
Balcony to Backyard
Whether in a small urban balcony or a sprawling rural property, create thriving ecosystems that support biodiversity and abundance.
Regenerative Design
Develop the skills to regenerate degraded landscapes, restoring the health of gardens, farms, and entire ecosystems for future generations.
Food Forest Design
Create edible, medicinal forest gardens that mimic natural patterns, fostering sustainable and low-maintenance food systems.
No till agriculture
Adopt soil-friendly farming techniques that build organic matter, conserve water, and promote biodiversity—without disturbing the land.
Empower yourself with the skills to create sustainable systems for your home, community, and the planet. Upgrade your learning with personalized mentoring and immersive hands-on training.
Don’t just take our word for it...
Kumha Lee 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had a great time in learning how we can make a small forest in our backyard. I also enjoyed all the interactions during the workshop for a full enough time to learn in detail. I enjoyed people, nature, connection with people, especially our instructor.
Thank you so much!
Heidi von Graevenitz 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My first Pdc, great courses! Graham really love what he do.
Raphaël Blais 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My first Pdc, great courses! Graham really love what he do.
Charles Molier 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I took the permaculture course with P3 in 2023 and I loved my experience. Graham is an excellent teacher who knows how to communicate his passion and, most importantly, his knowledge! The course is very well-structured with a wealth of content. The online prerequisites are very professional! I was happy to be able to take part in this in-person training after a few years of being quite isolated. I highly recommend it for Graham's experience and for the theoretical and practical learning that has changed my perspective on farming.
Clementine Mattesco 2017 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This course changed my life forever and gave me the confidence, the energy, the tools and the support to realize that I can contribute to move our society in the right direction. I completed the course at the same time as being a full-time university student and I can tell you I was waiting for the 2 lecture days every week. (the PDC) was my break from the everyday life rush, the moment I could recharge the batteries and refill myself with positive energy. Thank you to my amazing teachers, Graham, Cara and Antonius and thank you to the amazing people I met during this course, you made this experience truly wonderful!
Ociane 2021 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This course is fantastic! I loved learning from Graham, who shared his in-depth permaculture knowledge with passion to our class. ... It was wonderful to meet with a class of people of so many different ages and backgrounds, all sharing an interest in Permaculture. Graham nurtured a positive and supportive atmosphere in the class. We shared knowledge, ressources and were at ease to ask as many questions as we might have, even if that occasionally brought the conversation on a tangent! ... thankfully, I was able to access all of Graham’s videos, including an abundance of carefully selected resources. It had been so great, being able to review all the material before I finish my course project. While reviewing, I appreciated the clear structure of the course, the detailed videos, and all the supportive documents and resources. I can see all the work, time, effort and passion that was put into this: bravo!
Léa Normand Feb 24, 2021 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I attended the 15-day intensive PDC camp. It was a wonderful experience! Graham is an excellent, passionate teacher who provides a wealth of information. The P3 team is welcoming, and everyone is kind and supportive. The food was top-notch. I would go back without hesitation!
Sophia Reyes Prieto 2019 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had my PDC with P3 this spring and it was awesome. Graham our teacher is so good explaining the topics and also give us so much motivation to be the change this world need!! i loved it
Anna Wortberg 2019 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved the class! So much knowledge that I will have with me for the rest of my life and that I can apply in every day life. Not just helpful if you want to become a permaculture consultant.
Karen Urtnowski
Excellent teaching, fantabulous food, and warm, curious folks. Permaculture seems to attract good people. The experience made me more skilled and more hopeful.
Ashley Nelson 2017 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This PDC felt like a breath of fresh air for the soul. I can't imagine anyone not appreciating this course.
I am currently doing the PDC and it really fills that need for purpose I feel inside me and gives me hope to share with my kids. Permaculture should be taught already in primary school everywhere in the world. Delighted to be part of this movement for change
500+
Students certified
15
years experience
9
Countries served
37
PDC courses hosted
Why Choose Our On-Demand PDC?
Learn at Your Own Pace: Flexible modules designed to fit your schedule.
Lifetime Access: Revisit the material whenever you need a refresher.
Expert-Led Instruction: Comprehensive lessons from seasoned designers.
Practical and Actionable: Transform theory into real-world solutions.
Investment for life: Start small, think big, and make a difference
Discover the core principles and practices of permaculture design. From understanding natural systems to creating sustainable landscapes, you’ll gain the foundational knowledge needed to design thriving gardens, regenerative farms, and resilient communities.
Turn your vision into reality by creating a customized permaculture design tailored to your project. Whether it’s a garden, farm, or urban space, you’ll learn to apply permaculture principles to design systems that are sustainable, productive, and in harmony with nature.
Founder & Chief Designer, P3 Permaculture
---Graham has more than 13 years' experience in teaching permaculture and ecological design. In 2009, he finished his BA in Environmental and Ecology Studies at Concordia University, (Montreal, QC). Dissatisfied with the traditional environmentalist approach and its ability to meet the challenges of our time, he turned to permaculture. In the same year he obtained his Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) from Jesse Lemieux at Pacific Permaculture. Afterwards, he became an apprentice of one of the great names in the field, Geoff Lawton, at the Permaculture Institute of Australia (PRI).
---He founded P3 Permaculture in October of 2009 and has ever since been teaching and consulting with the goal of making permaculture accessible to everyone. To date, Graham has certified over 375 students in permaculture design and has offered design services in more than 9 countries around the world: from urban gardens in Montreal, to the 7000 Hectares in the deserts of Gansu in China, and the tropical rain forests of Costa Rica and Cameroon.
He is dedicated to creating new courses and projects that will inspire and facilitate the transition to regenerative solutions for our society.
---After 10 years in the corporate world in Dubai, Liza moved to Montreal where she pursued a Masters in Business Administration, (MBA). Soon after, driven by a new found passion for social innovation and a longing for personal growth, she co-founded the social enterprise Gardens without Borders in 2011 after completing her PDC with P3 Permaculture. Through Gardens without Borders, she has developed urban and rural community-food projects in a diversity of social contexts and climates; including locations in Montreal, Ecuador, Senegal and Lebanon.
She shares her experiences in social innovation and food sustainability through conferences and workshops related to permaculture. She also has training in geo-biology, and integrates art and spirituality into the projects she co-creates. As a mother of a 3 year old, she's an aspiring urban homesteader and is now exploring permaculture as a parenting and education tool.
What You'll Learn
Ethics and Principles of Permaculture
At the heart of permaculture lies its ethical framework—care for the Earth, care for people, and fair share. In this section, you'll learn how these principles guide every decision in design, from sustainable farming practices to community building. Understanding these ethics is crucial for creating systems that regenerate rather than deplete.
Designing Sustainable Systems
This component focuses on the practical application of permaculture principles to design sustainable and resilient landscapes. You'll explore how to design food forests, gardens, and integrated farming systems that work with nature, emphasizing efficiency, productivity, and ecological balance.
Soil Health and Water Management
Healthy soil and water are the foundation of any successful permaculture design. In this module, you'll learn techniques for building soil fertility through composting, mulching, companion planting. Discover strategies for water management, including rainwater harvesting and swales
Plant and Animal
Integration
Permaculture design thrives on the careful integration of plants, animals, and other elements into a harmonious system. You’ll study companion planting, agroforestry, and natural pest control techniques. Understanding how to design with animals to enhance productivity, such as using chickens for pest control or manure, is also a key focus.
Social and Economic Sustainability
this module addresses the social
& economic aspects of permaculture. xplore community building, local economies, and how to make your permaculture system financially sustainable. Whether through small-scale farming, shared resources, or local businesses, creating a self-sufficient and thriving community is an essential part of permaculture design.
This course is perfect for both seasoned designers looking to expand their skill set and complete beginners eager to learn. Whether you’re an architect, gardener, farmer, or someone with no prior experience, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to create sustainable, regenerative designs for any space.
Ideal for gardeners and farmers who want to create more Abundant, productive systems. It teaches how to enhance soil health, manage water, and integrate plants and animals for better yields, helping to build resilient, eco-friendly practices for long-term success.
New Homeowners or Retirees
Implement your dream of a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle, the PDC offers valuable skills in creating eco-friendly, regenerative systems. It provides the knowledge to design productive gardens, conserve resources, and build resilient landscapes that align with your vision for a sustainable future.
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is perfect for:
Whether you're a gardener, farmer, new homeowner, retiree, or simply someone passionate about living more sustainably, the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need.
If you're looking to create a productive garden, reduce your environmental footprint, or build systems that support long-term ecological health, this course is designed for you.
It’s suitable for beginners as well as those with prior experience, offering practical insights for transforming your space into a thriving, regenerative environment.
Recommended by Geoff Lawton
World Renowned Permaculture Teacher and Designer
(founder of the Permaculture Research Insttitute of Australia)
"Graham (founder of P3) is one of those exceptional students you remember because you know they are going to go a long way, and this has proven to be the case. I can confidently recommend his work as quite a remarkable permaculture teacher, designer, consultant and practitioner."
Why Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Makes Your Investment Risk-Free
Zero Risk, All Reward
We believe in the power of our course and are confident it will transform your understanding of permaculture. If you're not completely satisfied within the first 30 days, let us know, and we'll refund 100% of your money—no questions asked.
Test the Waters Without Pressure
Dive into the course and explore the content, exercises, and resources at your own pace. This guarantee gives you the freedom to experience our expertise and methods without any commitment stress.
Our Promise to Your Peace of Mind
Your success is our priority, and we want you to feel confident every step of the way. With our 30-day money-back guarantee, the only thing you have to lose is the uncertainty of not starting!
Take the leap today and join our course, knowing you’re fully protected.
The curriculum we follow at P3 is one that was developed by the late Bill Mollison in Australia in the 1970’s, and is today regarded as the standard in permaculture education, recognized and respected worldwide. During the Online PDC training we go over the following 6 sections:
The course also goes into detail on the following topics
Bonus crash course content.
After many years we have determined that we need more Hands-on experiential practical learning then ever before. this reinforces the retention anc comprehension of the skills needed to move forward with your projects.
This one week intensive at the farm ill go into detail
On Farm #Levelup (30 hours)
Day 1: Social Permaculture & Conscious Communication (NVC)
Day 2: Garden & Water Systems
Day 3: Forestry & Food Forests
Day 4: Earthworks & Erosion Management
Day 5: Soils Compost; tea & extracts,
5 Days of Breakfast, Lunch & Supper
Camping Included
Nightly Campfires
Tinker and discover a plethora of permaculture technologies and techniques
Biogas, Lasagna Gardens, Compost tea, Food Forests, Rotational Grazing, Aquaculture, Mushroom Cultivation
Many participants find the PDC life-changing, they develop new world views, solidify action plans and enhance their social network. Thinking as a permaculturist helps you to make appropriate social and ecological interventions in any field you dedicate yourself to; it may, in fact, completely change your relationship to the areas you have been exploring for years. Taking a PDC allows you to develop new thinking patterns that allow you to create designs that tend to use fewer resources, work more efficiently, and are easier to maintain.
Many P3 alum choose to start their own business as permaculture designers, consultants, and implementers. Permaculture opens doors to all kinds of paths, including social entrepreneurship, natural building, food forestry, passive-solar building design, natural agriculture, community organizing, research & development, and many more.
Here is a non-exhaustive list demonstrating how you can benefit from a PDC (Toby Hemenway, 2019):
Homeowners, gardeners, and farmers learn to increase the value and productivity of their property and to create home and land environments that better support their own needs as well as nature’s.
Real estate, construction, and development professionals are able to better address the public’s growing concern for the environment and to reduce resource use and impacts.
Educators learn to integrate permaculture design into their curriculum in ways that have been proven to raise student performance.
Planners and public officials find holistic solutions to land-use and resource issues, and will identify and solve bottlenecks and impediments to implementing their programs.
Energy, water, and waste-systems workers will learn holistic management strategies for integrating their projects into the larger community.
Early Bird | Save 15% by registering and paying in full 2 months or more in advance. | Only 5 spots at this price | Discount code : EARLY15
If the tuition is too much to afford all at once, we accept payment plans for 3 equal instalments to be completed 1 month prior to the start of the course. To request a payment plan, please contact us at info@p3permaculture.ca after you have paid the 250$ PDC Registration deposit.
If you are unable to afford your full tuition you can apply to be accepted as a worktrader where you will be asked to arrive onsite 1-2 weeks early to help with setup of the site for the PDC. Your acceptance is conditional to having skills we need and these change for each course offered, also we will have a video or in person meeting to assess your ease of integration into the organisational team.
Upon acceptance your trade is valued at 15$ per hour up to a maximum reduction of 50% of your tuition. The discount will be calculated up to 2 days prior to the PDC start and the remainder will need to be paid before the first day of class.
To apply, please send us your CV and motivation letter. Please specify in your motivation letter the reasons why you are applying for a worktrade and the skills you could share with the P3 Team.
Skills needed
- Physical labour
- Construction
- Farm labour or tasks
- Food Forest maintenance
- Pond maintenance
- Photography and video
- General Maintenance
- Social Media marketing
We are committed to doing more than acknowledging that our courses are held on the unceded, unsurrendered territories of the Kanienkehaka, or Anishinabewaki.
We also acknowledge that we are living today in a society that is structured to privilege white patriarchy. As such we are taking many steps to adapt and grow. In every online course we offer 25% and 4 spots with 25% off in our in person courses, for those individuals who live with systemic barriers in their daily lives (more specifically Indigenous people and people of Colour). Regardless of your identity, if you are a person in need of additional financial support we can discuss options to support your learning.
Regenerative Design Consultation and Education for your Home, Farm, Garden or Business. We use Ecosystems analysis of your project and integrate regenerative design principles to bring you abundance while fighting Climate Change.
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